The firm was founded in 1999 by Sam Zell.
In 2002, Equity International invested $32 million in Mexican home builder Homex. The firm divested from Homex in 2008.[2]
In 2005, the firm made a $50 million investment in Brazilian property company Gafisa.[3] In 2010, the firm sold a significant portion of its shares in Gafisa.[4]
In 2006, the firm made its first investment in China, a $10 million investment in Xinyuan Real Estate, a Chinese homebuilder based in Zhengzhou.[5] Xinyuan Real Estate became a public company via an initial public offering in 2007.[6]
In 2008, the firm invested in Chinese logistics and warehousing company Shanghai Yupei Group. The investment was sold in 2011.[7]
In 2011, the firm closed its 5th investment fund, with capital commitments of $650 million.[8]
In 2016, the firm invested $125 million in Estapar Participações SA, an operator of parking lots in Brazil.[9]
In 2017, the firm made a $29 million investment in Grupo Acosta Verde, a developer, owner, and manager of shopping centers in Mexico.[10]
In March 2020, the firm announced an investment in Stanza Living, an Indian student housing and shared living operator.[11]
In May 2023, Sam Zell died aged 81, the company continued operating using his principles for investments.[12]
